Back to the round pen with Chickory today. I started off longeing her unsaddled, so I could get her loping, which all went well. Then saddled her up and did the same thing. I must say, I was expecting her to get a little goosey loping saddled the first time, but as you can see from these videos, it really wasn't a big deal.
After that I bridled her and worked on the baby give, then added one more element- sacking out. I used the flag on her, and once again I was pleasantly surprised at how well she did. I'm waiting for her to blow; I expect it, especially since I know how jumpy she can be when things bother her. The goal of my training though, is to get her broke without having her come apart on me; a slow, systematic approach, building trust, so that looking to me to get her out of trouble over-rides her strong flight instinct. Because if I can't do that, she'll leave me sittin' in the dirt.
You might notice that I changed the halter on Chickory; I wasn't happy with the way the green one sat so low on her nose.
Side note- she did well loading and unloading in the trailer today.
After I brought her home, I brought Sparkle out for some trailering lessons. Janice is coming for her on Saturday, and I wanted to make sure she would load. I thought I had a video, but apparently I only took two stills; she loaded like an old pro!
And also I want to remind everyone that we are still looking for bloggers and their friends to come ride with us in the beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountains. The trails we will ride are maintained by the Kootenay Backcountry Horsemen, which I joined this year. Check out the link, Janice just put some new photos on that will wow you. C'mon, ride with us!
9 comments:
She is doing well, keep posting these great training vids you are gonna be getting clients!
aghh your so far away though!!!
That just goes to show you how good you are doing with her!
Chickory looks good, seems to me you are doing a good job.
Still would like to go on the ride, the trails look awesome, so different from our flat prairie.
I am so enjoying your posts and your blog - and learning a lot at the same time.
Way to go Shirley and Chicory you are looking like old hands. Thanks for Sparkles refresher course I wasn't expecting any issues anyhow.For those of you that may not know. I don't think Shirley has ever sent a horse to a new home that didn't have this kind of stuff down pat. I'll be seeing you in the morning.
Chickory is so cool. You can see the wheels turning when you worked her with the flag. She's a smart one, and I don't think she'll be one to dump a gal. She'll think first. :) She looks like a right-handed gal from I see on the lungeline. Just a bit stiff and resistant to the left? She's really a cute mover.
Nice job, and this is so fun to watch! Thanks for taking the time to create and share videos/pics! :)
I would LOVE to come up and trail ride with ya'. Ugh, Wisconsin is boresville....snore. Happy Trails, though!
Yay Sparkle! And just wow, on how trusting Chickory is with you. She is toally focused on you and not so much the flag.
I noticed in the video she goes well to the left, but is more goosey to the right. Nothing major, just looks like she's thinking of tossing in a buck or two....but thinks twice about it. She's a smart girl, for sure.
And pretty, too!
You're doing a great job with her.
I'd love love love to join you guys up there, but have no idea how it would work. So many obstacles in the way. And how would driving a horse across the border work?
Sounds like the trip of a lifetime, though.
Maybe if I brainstorm, it will work out?
~Lisa
Hi Shirley!
It's me again, Jess.
Just wanted to tell you that my best friend lives opposite a stable. But it's sooo expensive to ride! I'm aloud to feed and stroke the horses though! Which is cool.
I used to go riding every week in new zealand!
Now i'm in london, not much of a trace of horses!
Any way, just wanted to say thanks for replying to my question,
THANKS, AGAIN!!
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